Texas Super Senior Amateur Set for April 22-24

Riverbend Country Club in Sugar Land will be the host site for the 9th Texas Super Senior Amateur, to be played from April 22-24.

This year’s Texas Super Senior Amateur will be the fourth TGA championship held at Riverbend Country Club, which most recently hosted the 2022 Women’s Four-Ball, won by Elise Parel and Jacqueline Nguyen.

“We are thrilled to return to such a wonderful venue as Riverbend Country Club,” said Owen Kinney, TGA Tournament Manager. “The club has been a tremendous supporter of the amateur game, and we know the membership and staff are looking forward to showcasing their exceptional facility and providing a memorable experience for the players.”

Designed by Press Maxwell, Riverbend Country Club opened for play in 1957. Maxwell routed the challenging layout through gently rolling terrain and created interest and strategy by incorporating the site’s abundant natural features. In 2010, architect Jeff Blume oversaw an extensive renovation project that included rebuilding and shifting tees and bunkers, reconstructing green complexes, and upgrading irrigation and drainage systems.

“Riverbend is a thorough test of golf from tee to green,” Kinney said. “It’s a very traditional design that demands accuracy and good course management skills and I know the players will enjoy competing for the championship title on this great stage.”

First conducted in 2015, the Texas Super Senior features two age divisions: 65 and older (Super Senior) and 75 and older (Legends). Entries are open to male amateur golfers who meet the age requirements by the first round of tournament play and have an up-to-date WHS Handicap Index® not exceeding 12.4 (16.4 for Legends) issued through a member club of the TGA.

The starting field of 84 players (60 Super Seniors, 24 Legends) will play 54 holes of individual stroke play over three days with no cut. Each age division will compete from different tees and yardages, with separate champions recognized. Players who are 75 and older can opt to compete in the Super Senior Division at the time an entry form is submitted. The top three finishers and ties in the Super Senior Division, regardless of age, and the winner of the Legends Division will earn exemptions into this year’s Texas Senior Amateur to be held Sept. 27-29 on the Tournament Players Course at The Nelson Golf & Sports Club in Irving. In addition to the overall Super Senior and Legends champions, awards will also be given to the lowest net scores in each division.

Starting times and pairings for the first and second rounds will be posted online at txga.org no later than April 16. Live scoring updates and daily recaps will also be available on the TGA website once the action gets underway from Riverbend Country Club.

At the 2023 Texas Super Senior Amateur, Chuck Gardner of Texarkana won for the second year in a row with rounds of 72-74-69 on the New Course at White Bluff Resort in Whitney. His one-under-par 215 total was good for a one-shot margin of victory over 2016 champion Jerry Hudgins of Tyler. With the win, Gardner became the first person in the event’s history to successfully defend the title. Bill Holstead of Wichita Falls shot 73-76-83 to claim a wire-to-wire victory in the Legends Division. Holstead, the 1970 Texas Amateur champion, finished at 16-over 232 and well ahead of a trio of players tied at 237. Ed Turner of Dallas and Jay Trahan of Montgomery won low net honors in the Super Senior and Legends Divisions, respectively.

Cedar Crest Golf Course First of Six Courses Hosting U.S. Adaptive Open Qualifier

Addison – Cedar Crest Golf Course in Dallas, Texas is set to host their first U.S. Adaptive Open Qualifier. The qualifier will be one of only six sites across the United States between April 16 to May 7.  

In 2017, the USGA followed through with a pledge to establish a “championship for the adaptive golf community”. The U.S. Adaptive Open is the 15th and newest USGA Championship for men and women amateur golfers. The tournament is split into eight groups based on the player’s disability and features the widest age range of players with eligible players ranging from 16-80 years old. Modifications in the Rules of Golf were added by the USGA in 2023, permitting players to “compete using on-course aides, loosened club-anchoring rules, and adjusted drops” to accommodate carts. The players compete for two trophies that are given to the lowest-scoring players in the women’s and men’s divisions while copper medals are awarded to the lowest scorers in each of the divisions in the tournament.  

Blazing a path for the future of adaptive golf, you can say that more than a trophy is what is on the line for these players. This is a golf event unlike any other with an opportunity to grow the adaptive golf community year-by-year going into the future. Every golfer wants to uphold this great game and keep improving it and these players are no different. Some of the players shared with the USGA after last year’s event that they wouldn’t even think they could play a full 18 holes and now they are playing as part of a USGA championship.  

With the first two tournaments taking place at Pinehurst Country Club & Resort, this is the first year the tournament will head to a new site. That is not the only new part of the 3rd U.S. Adaptive Open with this year’s event featuring a cut for the first time. Starting April 16, Adaptive players across the country will play in qualifiers to try and punch their ticket to Sand Creek Station.  

The Texas Golf Association is one of six AGAs (Allied Golf Associations) hosting a qualifier with Cedar Crest Golf Course hosting the first U.S Adaptive Open qualifier in the Lonestar State.  

“We are very excited to be a part of this growing initiative for adaptive golf. Cedar Crest is a great and historic course, and we couldn’t think of a better place for a USGA qualifier site,” said Managing Director of TGA Foundation/Outreach Kelly Kilgo “To be a part of six other AGAs hosting a qualifier is something special. We can’t wait to meet these players and not only see them play some great golf but also hear some of their incredible stories.” 

Cedar Crest Golf Course has a rich history of golf and is a favorite amongst metroplex golfers. Designed by A.W Tillinghast, the course held the 1927 PGA Championship, 1926 Dallas Open, 1954 USGA Negro National Open and USGA’s Public Links Championship. The country club was turned public in 1946 after the City of Dallas purchased it. In 2001 the club built a new clubhouse and renovated the course. 

“It means a great deal to Cedar Crest and our team to be able to host an event like this,” shared Cedar Crest’s PGA Professional Ira Molayo. “This provides an opportunity to promote golf in an inclusive way.”  

The Texas Golf Association will be working with the Texas Adaptive Golf Association and hosting its 3rd Texas Adaptive Golf Championship later this fall at Indian Creek Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas on October 7-9.  The TGA has supported the Texas Adaptive Golf Association to help with staff, volunteers, and rules officials for the tournament and this year the TGA will be more involved with the event. Based in Fort Worth, TAGA was founded by Bobby Bell, Randy Shack, and Josh Tankersley to bring the game of adaptive golf to Texas.  

For more information on the 3rd U.S. Adaptive Open, click here. For more information on the Texas Golf Association Adaptive Open, click here.  

25th Women’s Partnership Match Play set for April 15-17

Addison – The 25^th Women’s Partnership Match Play is heading to River Crossing Club in Spring Branch, Texas for the first time. The three-day tournament is the second tournament on the Women’s Calendar for the 2024 season.

“We are excited to bring this event to River Crossing Club,” shared Director of Women’s Golf Kristi Knight. “River Crossing is a great course that is well known in the San Antonio and Hill Country area, and we think the Women are going to enjoy playing there. This is an event we are used to seeing a great turnout and we have a Titleist rep coming out for the event as part of a relationship we can’t wait to grow with the Texas Golf Association.”

River Crossing Club is set in Spring Branch, Texas just north of San Antonio. With panoramic views of the Hill Country, River Crossing Club is an 18-hole championship course designed by Larry Hawkins that opened in 2001. The course stretches just over 6,700 yards from the back tees and features a perfect balance of challenge and forgiveness that provides enjoyable play for all golfers.

The Women’s Partnership Match Play is a 45-hole Round Robin Net Four-Ball Match Play. Two competitors play as partners in a 9-hole match against two other competitors playing as partners, with each player playing her own ball. The lowest net score of the partners is the score for the hole. Each hole will be worth 2 points, and a tie will be worth 1 point. The team with the most points after the 45 holes will be the flight winner.

The 24^th Women’s Partnership Match Play took place at the Hideout Golf Club & Retreat in Brownwood, Texas. Karen Northcutt of The Woodlands and Lettia Collins of Midland won the first flight with 54 points. This was Northcutt’s and Collins’ second consecutive year to win the first flight. Mary Ann Knipe of Garland and Lindy Fox of Rockwall won the second flight with 51 points. Katherine Biggs of Houston and Lorraine Werner of The Woodlands claimed the third flight after finishing with 54 points. Cindy Campbell of Willow Park and Vicki Jordan of Lipan won the fourth flight after scoring 55 points.

The first round of the Women’s Partnership Match Play begins at 9 a.m. on April 15. For more information on the 25^th Women’s Partnership Match Play, click here.

Regional Senior Amateurs Set for April 2-3

The Texas Golf Association’s 2024 men’s regional tournament series rolls on in the first week of April with the North and South Senior Amateurs. The championships will be held concurrently from April 2-3.

The North Senior Amateur will be played on the Pecan Course at Walnut Creek Country Club in Mansfield. Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort in Boerne will be the host site for the South Senior Amateur.

This will be the fourth TGA championship held at Walnut Creek and the sixth at Tapatio Springs. The last TGA championship held at Walnut Creek was the 2019 North Four-Ball, won by Dru Fenimore and Jason Schultz. Tapatio Springs most recently hosted the 2023 Texas Father-Son, won by Brian and Wick Comegys. The resort has also hosted the TGA’s Texas Shamble, a mixed team event, for the last six years.

The Pecan Course at Walnut Creek Country Club opened in 1974 and was designed by Billy Martindale and Texas Golf Hall of Fame member Don January. The classic, parkland-style layout weaves through groves of trees, natural water hazards, and unspoiled native areas. Located approximately 30 miles northwest of downtown San Antonio, Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort opened in 1981 with a course originally designed by Bill Johnston. In 2015, Tripp Davis & Associates completed an extensive renovation of the facility which included reshaping and rebuilding all fairways, bunkers, teeing areas, and green complexes.

First played in 2003, the Regional Senior Amateurs feature two age divisions: 55 and older (Senior) and 65 and older (Super Senior). Entries are open to male amateur golfers who meet the age requirements by the first round of tournament play, have an up-to-date Handicap Index® not exceeding 8.4 (10.0 for Super Senior) issued through a member club of the TGA, and reside in the region relative to their respective championship. The delineation between the North and South regions is the 31st parallel that passes through the city of Salado.

Both championships are conducted using the same competitive format. The starting field of 84 players (60 Seniors, 24 Super Seniors) will play 36 holes of individual stroke play over two days with no cut. Each age division will compete from different tees and yardages, with separate champions recognized. Players who are 65 and older can opt to compete in the Senior Division at the time an entry form is submitted.

The top 15 finishers and ties in the Senior Division, regardless of age, will earn exemptions into this year’s Texas Senior Amateur to be held Sept. 27-29 on the TPC Course at The Nelson Golf & Sports Club in Irving. In addition, the top five finishers and ties will earn performance points which will be applied to the year-long Senior Player of the Year race.

Starting times and pairings for the first round of both championships will be posted on the TGA website no later than March 27. Live scoring updates and daily recaps will also be available online once the action gets underway from Walnut Creek Country Club and Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort.

At the 2023 championships, Mike Booker secured his fifth overall South Senior Amateur title with a 36-hole total of 2-under-par 140 at Gus Wortham Park Golf Course in Houston. Charles Reeve won the Super Senior Division on the second playoff hole over Steve Moran after the two players tied at 4-over 146 at the end of regulation play. John Schaefer won the North Senior Amateur with rounds of 74-75 (+5) over 36 holes at Whitestone Golf Club in Benbrook. Rick Lindsay took home the honors in the Super Senior Division with a 7-over 151 total.

Regional Mid-Amateurs Set for March 22-24

The TGA’s 2024 men’s regional tournament series continues this month with the North and South Mid-Amateurs. The championships will be held concurrently from March 22-24.

The North Mid-Amateur will be played on the Traditions Course at The Courses at Watters Creek in Plano. The South Mid-Amateur will be contested on a combination of the South and Shore nine-hole layouts at South Shore Harbour Country Club in League City.

This will be the fourth TGA championship held at Watters Creek and the third at South Shore Harbour. Watters Creek most recently hosted the 2023 North Four-Ball, won by Bobby Massa and Ryan Zamorano. The last TGA championship held at South Shore Harbour was the 2019 Women’s Eclectic, won by Anna Schultz.

Opened in 1986, the Traditions Course at Watters Creek was originally designed by Robert von Hagge and Bruce Devlin. It was remodeled by D.A. Weibring and Golf Resources Group in 2012. South Shore Harbour features three nine-hole courses (South, Shore, and Harbour) designed by Dave Marr and Jay Riviere. The original 18 holes, the South and Harbour Courses, opened for play in 1983, followed by the Shore Course, which opened in 1994.

First played in 2003, Regional Mid-Amateur entries are open to male amateur golfers who are 25 years of age or older by the tournament start date, have an up-to-date Handicap Index® not exceeding 8.4 issued through a member club of the TGA, and reside in the region relative to their respective championship. The delineation between the North and South regions is the 31st parallel that passes through the city of Salado.

Both championships are conducted using the same competitive format. The starting field of 84 players will play 54 holes of individual stroke play over three days with no cut. Along with crowning an overall champion, special recognition will be given to the low mid-master (player aged 40 and older). Regional performance points, which are applied to the yearlong North and South Regional Player of the Year races, are awarded to the top 30 finishers and ties. In addition, the top three finishers and ties in each event, as well as low mid-master, will earn exemptions into this year’s Texas Mid-Amateur to be held this fall at a site to be announced.

Starting times and pairings for the first and second rounds will be posted on the TGA website no later than March 19. Live scoring updates and daily recaps will also be available online once the action gets underway from The Courses at Watters Creek and South Shore Harbour Country Club.

At last year’s North Mid-Amateur, hosted by Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club in Rockwall, C.J. Brock won the title with rounds of 72-70-69. His 5-under-par 211 total was good for a one-stroke margin of victory over Brock Mulder. Brock and Mulder also finished 1-2 for low mid-master. Logan Thomason posted a 54-hole total of 3-over 219 on the Forest Course at The Clubs of Kingwood in Kingwood to capture the 2023 South Mid-Amateur by one shot over a quartet of players tied at 220. Otto Iskandar, one of the four second place finishers, claimed low mid-master honors.

16th Women’s Eclectic Set for Mar. 11-12

ADDISON – The Women’s Eclectic will head to Panorama Golf Club on March 11-12 for the first time in its 16-year history.

“This tournament is one of the more popular in the women’s season,” shared Women’s Director Kristi Knight. “It’s a fun change from your normal stroke play tournament and we are excited to bring the tournament to a great club. Panorama Golf Club has a great layout. It has everything you want for beginner and experienced golfers.”

The 112-player field will play a two-day, 36-hole individual Eclectic. Each player will take her better hole score over the two days. Gross and Net winners will be awarded.

Located North of The Woodlands, Texas – Panorama Golf Club sits as one of the more exciting golf clubs in the Houston Area. Opening in 1962, Panorama Golf Club has three different nine-hole layouts that each have their character. Rolling Hills, Winged Foot, and Thunderbird combine both old-style and modern golf to challenge every golfer.

This is the first multi-day event for the Women on the 2024 Schedule. “All the players are excited to get out there and play,” Knight said. “The last tournament we had was in the beginning of November so it’s exciting to be back.”

Last year’s Overall Gross winner of the Women’s Eclectic was Huntsville’s Grace Jin with a total of 11-under 130. The Overall Net winner of last year’s Women’s Eclectic was Arlington’s Sarah Farmer after finishing with a 10-under 131.

Round One of the 16^th Women’s Eclectic is set for 9:00 AM on Monday, March 11. For more info on the 16^th Women’s Eclectic, click here.

LJT Texas Cup Invitational Heads to Eagle’s Bluff Country Club

ADDISON – The 2024 Texas Cup Invitational will head to Eagle’s Bluff Country Club for the first time in its 17-year tournament history on March 11-13. Eagle’s Bluff Country Club hosted the Legends Junior Tour 2023 Jackie Burke Cup and the 2024 Texas Girls’ Invitational.

 “We are very excited to be heading back to Eagle’s Bluff Country Club for the second time this season after they hosted the Texas Girls’ Invitational for us in February,” shared Tournament Director Adam Schulte. “The Texas Cup Invitational always has a lot of excitement around it. It is the first Major of the season for the boys and with it being earlier in the year they can’t wait to get out there and compete. Eagle’s Bluff has been a great host, and we can’t wait to show them the talented players we have in our Boys Division.”

 The Texas Cup Invitational is the first of two boys-only majors this season. The 54-stroke play tournament features the best young golfers in Texas and surrounding states to join a list of great champions for the Tournament.

 Eagle’s Bluff Country Club sits in East Texas right next to Lake Palestine.  The course features an Augusta National-like environment with a beautiful layout that plays throughout the pine tree woods. Designed by Carlton Gibson in 1999, the course stretches to just over 7,100+ yards from the back tees. In 2014, sixteen members purchased the club and invested back $2 million to make it one of the best courses in East Texas.

 Last year’s winner of the Texas Cup was Andrew Petruzzelli of Dallas, TX. Petruzzelli carded a six-under 66 on the final day to move from fifth place to first at Tempest Golf Club in Gladewater, TX. Other previous winners of the Texas Cup include Connor Henry, Patrick Kahanek, Brandon Massey, PGA Tour Players Ryan Grider, Braden Bailey, Chandler Phillips, and more. 

 A lot is up for grabs for the winner of the Texas Cup Invitational Winner. The winner will receive exemptions into the Bluebonnet Championship, George Hannon Junior Invitational,  Texas Junior Golf Alliance Invitational, 98^th Texas Junior Amateur, and the 25^th Veritex Bank Byron Nelson Junior Championship.

 The First Round of the Texas Cup Invitational is scheduled for March 11 at 8:30 AM. For more information on the Texas Cup Invitational, click here.

Volunteer for USGA Championship at Oak Hills C.C. in San Antonio

Historic Oak Hills Country Club in San Antonio is set to host the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball from May 11-15. The ninth edition of the national championship will showcase a starting field of 64 sides (128 players) of the best female amateur golfers competing in 36 holes of stroke-play qualifying May 11-12 to determine the 32 sides that will advance to the match-play portion of the championship May 13-15.

The club is thrilled to welcome this prestigious event and is looking to recruit volunteers to serve on various committees to help ensure a successful championship and that players enjoy their time in the Alamo City. It is a wonderful opportunity to support golf in Texas, and Oak Hills is looking forward to providing its volunteers with a fun and rewarding experience.

If you would like to learn more, please look over the information in the volunteer program below, and contact the championship office with any questions – [email protected].

> 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Volunteer Program

Zamorano and Massa Win Back-To-Back North Four-Ball Title

Briefly: Bobby Massa and Ryan Zamorano of Dallas win the 2024 North Four-Ball after finishing with a 123 21-under for the tournament. The side had nothing but smiles after winning back-to-back championships as partners. This is Massa’s third North Four-Ball title in a row. The partners will receive an exemption into the 2024 Texas Four-Ball.

Golf Course: Opened in 2000, Whitestone Golf Course was created by Jeff Brauer and Jay Morrish and stretches to just over 7,100 yards in Benbrook, TX. Brauer is also the creator behind Cowboys Golf Club and Tangle Ridge Golf Club in the Metroplex area. The elevation changes from tee to green throughout the course is what makes the course choose your shots wisely.

Weather: Players were greeted with incredible weather for the First Round. The morning started in the mid 50’s before climbing into the high 60s in the afternoon. The clear blue skies were mixed with a light breeze throughout the day with gusts hitting just over 10 mph. The Second Round brought stronger winds with gusts reaching up to 25mph. The Second-Round weather started in the High 50s before reaching the low 80s in the afternoon to finish the tournament.

Top Finishers: Zamorano and Massa of Dallas played dominant golf to win the title for the second consecutive year. Zamorano and Massa finished with a total of 123 21-under for the tournament. Their first round 56 included three eagles and nine birdies that separated themselves from the rest of the field. “Everything was going in,” shared Massa “We were seeing the greens well and hit some quality shots that helped us cash them in.” Zamorano and Massa shot a five-under 65 in the second round to help themselves finish with a commanding lead.

Finishing in second were the duo of Sean Heidrick of McKinney and Kolton Crawford of Azle after a 14-under 130. The side finished with seven birdies on the first day to move themselves into a strong position for the Final Round. Following behind in third was the duo of Scott Winslett and William McDonald of Dallas after a total of 12-under 132.

Finishing in a tie for fourth were duos Brock Mulder of McKinney and Nicholas Loar of Rockwall, Riley Goff of Grapevine and James DeLaGarza of Haltom City, and Marcus Jones of Argyle and Jeffrey Juillerat of Fort Worth, and all finishing with a total of 11-under 133. The Top 5 finishers and ties will receive exemptions into the 2024 Texas Four-Ball at Braeburn Country Club in August.

In seventh were the duo of Gary Ezmerlian and Colby Amparan of Fort Worth with a total of 10-under par 134.

Regional POY: North Player of the Year points will be awarded to the top finishers at the 2024 North Four-Ball. The winning team will receive 400 points, followed by 250 for second, 200 for third, 150 for fourth, and 100 for fifth. Points will be awarded to both players on the team individually. For Regional POY information, click here.

What’s Next: The North Regional Series will head to the Courses at Watters Creek for the North Mid-Am. The tournament is set for March 22-24.

Registration for the 115th Texas Amateur is currently open and will close on March 27 at 5:00 PM. For more information and to register for the Texas Amateur, click here.

More Info: The Texas Golf Association extends its sincere appreciation to the staff and members of Whitestone Golf Cub as well as our volunteers for their integral part in making the North Four-Ball a memorable and successful event. For more information on the North Four-Ball, click here.

Regional Four-Balls Set for Feb. 24-25

The Texas Golf Association’s 2024 men’s tournament schedule kicks off with the North and South Regional Four-Ball Championships. The season openers will be held concurrently from Feb. 24-25.

Whitestone Golf Club in Benbrook will host the North Regional Four-Ball, while The Bearkat Course at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville will host the South Regional Four-Ball.

This will be the third TGA championship contested at Whitestone and the first-ever at The Bearkat Course. Whitestone previously hosted the 2001 Texas Mid-Amateur Match Play, won by Texas Golf Hall of Famer Chip Stewart, and the 2023 North Regional Senior Amateur, won by John Schaefer.

Located about 12 miles southwest of Fort Worth, Whitestone Golf Club was co-designed by Jeff Brauer and Jay Morrish and opened in 2000. The Bearkat Course (formerly known as Raven Nest Golf Club) opened in 2003 and was designed by Tripp Davis.

First played in 2003, Regional Four-Ball entries are open to two-player teams of male amateur golfers with each member of the team having an up-to-date WHS Handicap Index® not exceeding 8.4 issued through a member club of the TGA and residing in the region relative to their respective championship. The delineation between the North and South regions is the 31st parallel that passes through the city of Salado.

Both championships are conducted using the same competitive format. The starting field of 44 teams (88 players) will play 36 holes of four-ball stroke play over two days with no cut. Regional performance points, which are applied to the yearlong North and South Regional Player of the Year races, are awarded to the top five team finishers.

Starting times and pairings for the first round will be posted online on the TGA website no later than Feb. 20. Live scoring updates and daily recaps will also be available online once the action gets underway from Whitestone Golf Club and The Bearkat Course.

Bobby Massa and Ryan Zamorano won the 2023 North Regional Four-Ball with rounds of 62-63 on the Traditions Course at The Courses at Watters Creek in Plano. Their 19-under-par 125 total was good for a three-shot margin of victory over runners-up Kolton Crawford and Sean Heidrick and Liam Logan and Colby Pickavance. At the 2023 South Regional Four-Ball, Jonathan Alden and Austen Fulmer finished at 15-under 129 at Vaaler Creek Golf Club in Blanco to capture the title by one shot over Sean Ferris and Thomas Immenschuh.